Parashurama Temple Pedhe

Parashurama Temple Pedhe History, Timings, Route information

Parashurama Temple Pedhe History

After Mahabharat, there are practically no occasions to come across Parashurama. The great warrior is variously mentioned to be living on the Mahendra mountain, the Sahyagiri and the Shurparak Nagar. The story goes that the region west of the Sahyadris was under the regime of Sea and he was most unwilling to allow any intruder to set his foot on his kingdom. In the best traditions of the warrior monarchs, he challenged Parashurama, who not the least deterred from his opposition immediately drew his bow and arrows. Not more than half a dozen deliveries from the deadly weapon were enough to convince the sea that resistance was hopeless and he agreed to permit Parashurama and his followers to settle in his territory. The sea accordingly receded several miles and land became inhabitable, though it must be said by no means hospitable.

As per the legends, that he retired from the active life of the northern plains and withdrew to the west coast to encourage and help the habitation of, presumably the Aryan tribes along that region. In Malabar, even a ‘Shaka’ known after Parashurama is still in use. The most important shrine dedicated to him is at Pedhe near Chiplun in the Ratnagiri district.

The name of the village is Pedhe but is known as Kshetra Parashurama. It is situated on the top of a hill. The village is 7 km from Chiplun from where a regular bus service, run by state transport, is available.

The Garbhagriha houses three idols together. The middle one is Parashurama, and to his right is that of Kala and to his left is The Kama. All are four-armed images and carry their weapons with them. The main deity is in the Abhaya Mudra. These idols were installed in 1779 AD by one Parachure from Guhagar near Chiplun. Before the Idols were installed a rock was worshipped on the same spot as a self-manifested image of the god.

As per the local folklore, this spot was a jungle used for grazing cattle. One day, it so happened that a cow stood over a particular spot and let her milk flow down on it. This was repeated day after day. This greatly puzzled the cowherds. One person had a dream, where Parashurama appeared and informed him that he exists in an invisible form here. From then onward villagers started worshipping the Swayambhu.

How to reach Parashurama Temple Pedhe?

By Air

1. The nearest airport is at Pune which is 237 km away.

By Train

1. The near railway station is a Ratnagiri which is 87 km away.

By Road

1. Temple is easily reachable from Ratnagiri.

Reference Link: History